Kamui Kobayashi’s debut race in the US NASCAR series was an eventful one, and although he finished by far 33rd at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road circuit, he is already dreaming of fresh starts.
The two-time WEC champion drove the Toyota Camry of the 23XI team, started 28th according to the results of qualifying, tried to stay at least approximately in this position, but his No. 67 car spun twice in the first corner after contacts with rivals. First it happened on the second lap and then it happened again with only 16 laps to go.
However, Kamui has been able to move into higher positions at times during the race and believes he was capable of a good pace. He hoped he could move forward by taking advantage of the yellow flag period, but it only appeared once shortly before the finish.
“I’m a little surprised that the race was actually more of a sprint,” commented Kobayashi. – This time I had a hard time, but now I understand how to act and gained good experience.
We’ll see how it goes, but I think it was a really interesting experience because I’ve dreamed of racing in NASCAR since I was a kid. Everyone had to endure a lot to perform here, but we made it. And I definitely want to come back!”
Of the European drivers at Indianapolis, Mike Rockenfeller finished 24th, Jenson Button 28th and Michael McDowell, an experienced NASCAR master who drove Front Row Motorsport’s Ford Mustang, won.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
